The Chronicle Herald (Provincial)
Coward-ince dead at 86
Mother of provincial cabinet minister a pioneer in black community
Nova Scotia has lost an inspiring role model with the death of Thelma Eunice Cowardince on April 17.
Coward-ince, the mother of Tony Ince, minister of African Nova Scotia Affairs in the Liberal government, was a true pioneer for Nova Scotia's black community.
Born Feb. 4, 1934, in Sydney, Coward-ince graduated first in her secretarial class from Sydney Academy, earning a scholarship from the Imperial Order of Daughters of the Empire, her obituary states.
Coward-ince went on to graduate from Mount Saint Vincent University with a bachelor of arts degree.
At 16, she ventured into the working world and, in 1954, Coward-ince joined the Royal Canadian Navy, becoming the first black naval reservist. She went on to become the first black senior secretary as chief of staff to the admiral in the Canadian navy.
During her career, Thelma was known as the "go-to" person who knew all the policies, and she ensured rules and regulations were followed, the obituary reads.
Premier Stephen Mcneil, speaking at a COVID-19 briefing Tuesday afternoon, said he talked with Tony Ince at the time of his mother's death. The premier said he knew Coward-ince professionally and socially.
“I adored her, I watched her glow with pride in her son,” Mcneil said. “Tony admired the strength of his mother. She grew up at a time when discrimination was rampant. She set many markers for herself, for women in this province and frankly for all of us. Her character kept her in good stead and her great sense of humour.”
Mcneil said in the latter part of her life spent in longterm care and facing many health issues, Coward-ince kept “the love of her family around her, she continued to provide support for them with her sharp wit.”
“I pass on my condolences to Tony, I pass on my love to him,” Mcneil said.
“We've been together for a long time and are good friends. I know what it means to lose a parent. All of our colleagues are with him. It's my hope that all of those families that have lost a loved one through COVID or the tragedies that have taken place in our province feel the love from all of us.”
While working at National Defence, Coward-ince was promoted to manager of administrative services. She was the first black manager and the only female manager in the Ship Repair Unit Atlantic between 1979 to 1992, when there were fewer than 100 women employees out of a total complement of 2,000.
“As much as she loved her work at Maritime Command, Thelma loved her children more,” the obituary reads. “She treasured her son, Tony and daughter, Michelle.”
She was deeply involved in her community, serving on multiple boards, such as the Black United Front, the Health Association of African Canadians, the Canadian Ethnocultural Council, the Black Community Work Group, and the Nova Scotia Advisory Commission on AIDS.
Coward-ince was a devoted member of Saint Thomas Baptist Church for 20 years while she lived in Dartmouth as well as being a member of the Nova Scotia Mass Choir for more 20 years before she became ill.
Coward-ince was 86 the time of her death at Northwood continuing-care home in Halifax as a result of dementia and the most recent outbreak of COVID-19. She moved into Northwood's Halifax campus in 2015, “where she enjoyed companionship and loving care until her passing.”
Following her retirement, Coward-ince enjoyed breakfasts with former colleagues, and shopping with friends.
She spent many hours in the libraries in Dartmouth and Halifax.
She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Ince of Hamilton, Ont., and son, Tony Ince of Dartmouth, a grandchild, several greatgrandchildren and several siblings.
“Death, it is silent, peaceful even, yet it can take away everything you've ever known, in a mere second,” Michelle Ince wrote in the obituary. “She was an extraordinary mom with undying, unconditional love, that made me know she was my best friend; and no one made me laugh like she did. Mom, I will truly miss you! There is no one who could take your place. I love you.”
Due to the restrictions resulting from COVID-19, a funeral will be held at a later date.
Donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Mass Choir. Online condolences may be made at: www. atlanticfuneralhomes.com, Dartmouth Chapel.